Credit: AP

Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) loses the ball under the defense of Indiana Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson (1) and Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) during the second half in Game 4 of their first-round NBA basketball game, Monday, April 29, 2013 in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Heading to his locker to get dressed, Josh Smith griped a bit when told he would have to go to the podium for the second game in a row.

Then he smiled.

No way the Atlanta Hawks forward was getting out of those duties. Not after the way he played Monday night.

Smith scored a career playoff-best 29 points as the Hawks built a 17-point lead at halftime, then withstood an Indiana comeback to even the series with a 102-91 victory in Game 4.